Miami Heat

THE NBA

June 22, 1997

IN A draft considered among the weakest in a decade, Miami will be left to choose from a group of players with blemishes. The 26th pick last year - in a stronger draft - was Georgetown forward Jerome Williams, who has made little impact with Detroit. Miami also has the 30th pick, the second in the second round.

''When you get to the 26th pick, you're talking about real risk,'' Heat General Manager Randy Pfund said. ''The approach of picking the best available player works a lot better when you are picking third or fourth. At 26, maybe you take more of a look at what could help your team.''

Heat coach Pat Riley has said he would like to add a backup big man (preferably a 7-footer), a backup point guard, and a scorer/slasher with size who can play small forward or shooting guard.

CHICAGO BULLS

AFTER ITS first week, the Scottie Pippen offer hasn't generated much interest. ''Jerry (Krause) is so intent on getting a deal that no one could refuse, I don't think they'll do anything with Pippen,'' said one Eastern Conference general manager. ''They're looking for a young guy and multiple No. 1s. Which tells you something.''

The Bulls asked Philadelphia about Jerry Stackhouse, the No. 2 pick and two future No. 1 picks. They also asked about multiple No. 1s with Golden State and Denver. Neither showed any interest.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

CHARLES BARKLEY said he's leaning toward playing the final year of his contract next season for $2 million for the good of the NBA: ''I think I should do it for the good of the game and play for that measly $2 million. Everybody complains about money in this league. I'm thinking about coming back and not saying a word about my contract, just doing it to give something back because basketball has been very good to me. And, let's face it, $2 million is still a lot of money.''

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

TIM DUNCAN, who will be the No. 1 overall pick by San Antonio in Wednesday's draft, has committed to playing for the Spurs' summer league team in Salt Lake City. This is extremely rare for a player of his caliber.

''I asked him if he wanted to play, and his comment to me was, 'If you think I need it, I'm there,' '' General Manager Gregg Popovich said. ''What a great attitude.''